EAST Lancashire's independent retailers are being urged to enter the UK's Best Small Shops Competition.

Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones and his Pendle Tory counterpart Andrew Stephenson wan to see their own and neighbouring consrituencies represented in the contest.

It celebrates small shops and their huge contribution to our local high streets and communities.

Mr Jones said, “From Warner Street to Deardengate, Union Road to Queen Street, our local high streets are home to many brilliant independent small shops. It would be great to see local shopkeepers put themselves forward, and to see them celebrated for their products, expert knowledge and exceptional customer service.”

Mr Stephenson said, “We have lots of amazing small shops across Pendle and I encourage as many of those to enter the competition.

""It celebrates the creativity of small shops and the central role they play in their local community.

"It’s another brilliant way to promote what a great place Pendle is to live or visit.”

The competition is free to enter online via the bestsmallshopswebsite and retailers can nominate their businesses until Monday September 9.

A shortlist of 25 will be compiled for judging by a panel of representatives from the independent retail industry at a Parliamentary Reception on November 5.

All entrants will feature in the online Indie Retail Directory.